19th Amendment Centennial
Special Edition Library Cards: Celebrating 100 Years
CARD DESIGNS
In her collage portrait, artist Amy Smith combines her photography with layers of hand-cut stencils and pieces of protest signage to reflect on the suffrage movement and the modern woman. By juxtaposing historic suffragette signs with contemporary portraits of diverse women, she acknowledges our past and looks to the future to do better than we did before. We evolve together, and so we rise together.
Amy Smith is a self-taught contemporary artist. Born in New Jersey, she moved to Los Angeles where she found inspiration, mentors, and support in the street art community. In her Collage Portrait Series, Amy Smith uses photography, layers of hand cut stencils, and torn recycled fashion magazine pieces to deconstruct self-identity from brand identity. Smith’s mixed media collages have been shown at Saatchi’s The Other Art Fair, Wallspace Gallery, The Whole 9 Gallery, and been part of auctions such as Julien’s Auctions with artists like Mr. Brainwash, Shepard Fairey, and Andy Warhol. Smith’s works can also be found on online galleries like SaatachiArt and Artsy.net.
Los Angeles native Laura Vazquez Rodriguez celebrates the region’s rich cultural diversity with a focus on spirituality, love, and healing. In this piece, she honors the courageous women who fought diligently for the right to vote and celebrates those who continue to fight for equal rights today.
Laura Vazquez Rodriguez was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in the small community of Pico Rivera. Laura’s love for her culture and deep faith are reflected in each of her pieces. A skilled visual storyteller, her paintings are filled with symbolism. Each piece is a story that unfolds to illuminate a message: we are all connected. Laura has exhibited at Self Help Graphics, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, The University of Arizona, Whittier College, Santa Paula’s California Oil Museum, Gallery ChimMaya, Casa 0101, and Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in Los Angeles. Her commercial art has appeared on book covers, on educational posters, in documentaries, and in several periodicals.
Moses X Ball depicts five important Black women suffragists who fought for an intersectional vision linking race, class, and gender. Moses’ work declares that Ida B. Wells, Mary Church Terrell, Nannie H. Burroughs, Mary B. Talbert, and Frances E.W. Harper deserve proper recognition for their accomplishments with improving the lives of all women.
Moses’ work deals with important issues from history as well as the present day. He recently worked with Metro to create the Heart of Hyde Park mural on the US Bank at Crenshaw Blvd. and Slauson Ave. This mural is of particular importance to South LA as it depicts community activists and local business owners alongside neighborhood youth. He worked with Angelique Smith to include her son Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom in the mural. Previous projects include Gateway to Greatness for the Expo Center at Exposition Park, featuring Olympians and Paralympians of Color. as well as Promise a collaboration with Blue Shield to create an art therapy/public art program, focused on helping South LA youth and youth in the foster system cope with obstacles and problems, using art to express and work through those issues. Throughout his career, Moses has sought to work with community groups and residents on the murals he creates, reflecting and inspiring the people who live in the areas he seeks to beautify.
HOW TO GET YOUR CARD
These special edition cards are now available at your local LA County Library location during business hours, while supplies last. Existing library cards may be exchanged for these designs, free of charge.
To apply for a new library card or replace your current library card, please call your local library. You will need to wear a mask when picking up your new library card.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, these cards do not have any special privileges and do not work any differently than a regular LA County Library card. Only the design is different.
Unfortunately, you cannot keep your old library card number if you choose to replace it with one of our new Centennial designs. Each card comes with a unique account number and you will no longer be able to use your current library card once it is replaced.
Yes! We are happy to upgrade your Digital card to a regular library account. You will continue to have access to all our electronic offerings as well as extended privileges, such as a check-out limit of 50 items and the ability to place holds on more than 3 items at a time. You can also use your regular library card to reserve a Laptop & Hotspot Loan kit at participating libraries.
During this special promotion, we will not be charging a replacement fee to replace your current library card with one of our Centennial designs. There is never a fee if this is your first time applying for a card with LA County Library.
Yes, if you know which design you want, please let staff know when you call to schedule a pick-up time for your library card. Please note that each design is limited, and available while supplies last.
Virtual Programming
Commemorating the 19th Amendment: Artist Interview
A discussion about the power of sharing your voice through art and voting, with the artists commissioned by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture to create commemorative artworks celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Hear about the women—in history, and in their own lives—that inspire these artists. For a general audience.
In the News
Video courtesy of Spectrum News 1 Reporter, Nic Cha Kim
Video courtesy of LA County Channel
Vote!
Many of our libraries are serving as Voting Centers–visit one near you if you’re voting in person. Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk has placed ballot drop boxes throughout the county, including many LA County Library locations. Get a list of drop box locations below, so you can vote early! And be sure to check out these voter guides, to get up-to-speed on the issues before you cast your ballot.
Background image accessed from Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/item/mnwp000422
